Ecclesiastes 7:10

KJV

Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

KJV (with Strong's)

Say {H559} not thou, What is the cause that the former {H7223} days {H3117} were better {H2896} than these? for thou dost not enquire {H7592} wisely {H2451} concerning this.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't ask why the old days were better than now, because that is a foolish question.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is unwise of you to ask about this.

American Standard Version

Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:10 delivers a pointed admonition against the human tendency to romanticize the past and lament the present, cautioning against the question, "What is the cause that the former days were better than these?" The Preacher asserts that such an inquiry does not stem from a place of wisdom, implying that an unhealthy fixation on a perceived golden age hinders one's ability to engage thoughtfully and gratefully with the realities and opportunities of the current moment. This verse serves as a crucial reminder to cultivate a discerning perspective that resists unproductive nostalgia and embraces the present with insight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7:10 is situated within a section of Qoheleth's (the Preacher's) discourse (chapters 7-8) that delves into practical wisdom for navigating life "under the sun." Following reflections on the value of a good name over precious oil and the house of mourning over the house of feasting (Ecclesiastes 7:1-6), Qoheleth transitions to a series of proverbs and observations concerning wisdom, folly, patience, and justice. Verse 10 specifically addresses a common human psychological inclination, warning against a particular form of discontentment. It immediately precedes an observation about the value of wisdom alongside an inheritance (Ecclesiastes 7:11-12) and the call to accept both good and bad days as from God (Ecclesiastes 7:13-14), reinforcing the theme of living wisely in the present reality rather than yearning for an idealized past.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes reflects a post-exilic or late monarchical period in Israelite history, characterized by a certain disillusionment or philosophical inquiry into life's meaning, distinct from the more direct covenantal pronouncements of earlier prophetic books. While the setting is often attributed to King Solomon, the philosophical tone suggests a later period of reflection. In ancient societies, as in modern ones, there was often a tendency to look back to a perceived "golden age" – perhaps the unified kingdom under David and Solomon, or even the wilderness generation's direct experience with God – as a time of greater purity, prosperity, or divine favor. Qoheleth challenges this universal human inclination, which can manifest as a lack of gratitude or an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. The wisdom literature tradition, to which Ecclesiastes belongs, often grappled with practical ethics and the pursuit of a meaningful life within the complexities of daily existence, making this verse a direct piece of counsel for living wisely in any era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the pervasive theme of **vanity (hebel)**, often translated as "meaninglessness" or "futility." The Preacher suggests that dwelling on a romanticized past is a form of vanity, an empty pursuit that distracts from the present. Secondly, it highlights the pursuit of **wisdom (chokmâh)**, which is central to the book. True wisdom, as presented here, involves a realistic assessment of life and a rejection of unproductive comparisons. Instead of lamenting, wisdom encourages discernment and acceptance of God's sovereign hand in all times, as hinted in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3 "Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything"). Finally, the verse touches on the theme of **contentment and perspective**, urging the reader to find meaning and purpose in the "now," rather than being perpetually dissatisfied. This resonates with the Preacher's recurring advice to enjoy the simple pleasures of life as gifts from God (e.g., [Ecclesiastes 2:24](/ecclesiastes/2-24 "Ecclesiastes 2:24 - Enjoyment of Labor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wisely (Hebrew, _chokmâh'_):** From H2451, this term refers to practical, spiritual, and intellectual wisdom. It denotes skill in living, discernment, and a proper understanding of life's realities from a divine perspective. When the Preacher states one "does not enquire wisely," it implies that the question about former days being better does not arise from a place of true insight, discernment, or a proper grasp of how God works through all times. It's a question rooted in a superficial or emotional dissatisfaction, rather than a genuine, objective search for truth.
* **better (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word is broad, meaning "good" in the widest sense, encompassing concepts like beautiful, excellent, beneficial, or pleasant. In the context of "better days," it implies a subjective judgment that past times were superior in quality, experience, or outcome. The Preacher challenges this comparative judgment as unwise, suggesting that the perceived "better-ness" is often an illusion or a selective memory.
* **former (Hebrew, _riʼshôwn'_):** From H7223, meaning "first" in place, time, or rank. Here, it specifically refers to "former days," indicating a past era or period. The Preacher addresses the human tendency to idealize this past, contrasting it unfavorably with the present. The wisdom of the verse lies in questioning the premise that any past era was inherently superior, especially when such a belief leads to discontentment with the present.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these?"**: This opening clause presents a direct prohibition against a specific type of questioning or lament. It targets the common human inclination to idealize a past era ("the former days") and unfavorably compare it to the present ("these"). The implied question "What is the cause?" suggests a desire to understand why the present seems inferior, but the Preacher immediately dismisses the premise of the question itself. It's a rhetorical challenge to the very notion that the past was inherently superior, rather than an invitation to analyze historical conditions.
* **"for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this."**: This second clause provides the rationale for the prohibition. The act of asking why "former days were better" is deemed "not enquiring wisely." This is a strong condemnation from Qoheleth, who is deeply concerned with true wisdom. It suggests that such a question does not arise from a discerning, objective, or divinely-informed perspective. Instead, it likely stems from nostalgia, discontentment, a lack of gratitude, or an inability to perceive the blessings and opportunities of the present moment. True wisdom, for Qoheleth, involves accepting the realities of life "under the sun" and finding meaning within them, rather than yearning for an idealized, unrecoverable past.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:10 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is a **Rhetorical Question** presented as a prohibition: "Say not thou, What is [the cause] that the former days were better than these?" The Preacher doesn't expect an answer but uses the question to highlight a common human folly. This is immediately followed by a direct **Admonition** or **Prohibition**, "Say not thou," which serves as a firm command to avoid this specific line of thought. There's also an element of **Irony** at play: the very act of "enquiring" about the past's superiority is labeled as "not enquiring wisely." This paradoxical statement underscores that true wisdom lies not in such nostalgic comparisons, but in a realistic and grateful engagement with the present. The verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, a concise piece of practical wisdom intended to guide behavior and thought.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:10 profoundly challenges the human tendency to idealize the past, a theological issue that often manifests as discontentment with God's providence in the present. The Preacher's admonition against asking why "former days were better" is not merely a psychological observation but a theological statement about accepting the times God has appointed. It implicitly teaches that every era, with its unique challenges and blessings, is part of God's sovereign plan, and true wisdom lies in discerning and embracing His work in the "now." This perspective guards against a spirit of ingratitude and encourages a focus on stewardship of the present opportunities, rather than a futile longing for what is gone. It aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on living by faith in the present, trusting God's goodness and wisdom in all circumstances.

* [Philippians 4:11](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11 - Contentment in All Circumstances")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - Be Content with What You Have")
* [James 4:13](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-15 - Boasting About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:10 serves as a timeless mirror reflecting a pervasive human inclination: the romanticization of the past and the subsequent discontentment with the present. In an age saturated with curated memories and nostalgic media, the temptation to believe "the good old days" were inherently superior is ever-present. This verse calls us to a profound spiritual discipline: to resist the unproductive pull of an idealized past and instead cultivate a wise and grateful engagement with our current reality. It challenges us to find God's hand, His purpose, and His blessings in the challenges and opportunities of today, rather than succumbing to a spirit of lament or ungratefulness. True wisdom, it suggests, is not found in a backward gaze, but in a forward-looking faith that trusts God's sovereign design for every season of life and seeks to live faithfully within it. This requires intentional gratitude, a realistic assessment of both past and present, and a commitment to making the most of the "now" that God has given us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find yourself idealizing "former days" and feeling discontent with the present?**
* **What specific blessings or opportunities might you be overlooking in your current circumstances due to a focus on the past?**
* **How can cultivating a spirit of gratitude help you "enquire wisely" concerning your present reality?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully and purposefully in the "now" God has given you?**

### FAQ
**Is it wrong to remember or learn from the past?**

Answer: No, Ecclesiastes 7:10 does not prohibit remembering or learning from the past. The wisdom literature, including Ecclesiastes, often encourages learning from history and the experiences of previous generations (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:7](/deuteronomy/32-7 "Deuteronomy 32:7 - Remember the Days of Old")). What the verse warns against is the *unwise* and *discontented* comparison that leads to a lament for a perceived "better" past, thereby diminishing the present. It's about the *attitude* and *purpose* behind the reflection. Learning from history, appreciating heritage, and drawing lessons from past mistakes are all beneficial. However, idealizing the past to the point of dissatisfaction with the present, or using it as an excuse for inaction, is what the Preacher deems unwise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:10, with its warning against romanticizing the past, finds profound fulfillment and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Preacher observes the futility of longing for "better days" under the sun, Christ introduces a new reality that transcends temporal comparisons. He is the ultimate wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). The "former days" often looked forward to the coming Messiah, and while the Old Covenant had its glory, it was ultimately a shadow of the "better things" to come in Christ (Hebrews 10:1). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new covenant, a "better covenant, which was established on better promises" ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). Therefore, for the believer, there is no need to lament "former days" as inherently better, for in Christ, we have received "all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Our hope is not in a nostalgic past, but in the living Christ who makes all things new (Revelation 21:5) and promises a future glory that far surpasses any earthly "golden age" ([Romans 8:18](/romans/8-18 "Romans 8:18 - Future Glory Compared to Present Suffering")). The wisdom of Christ enables us to live contentedly and purposefully in the present, knowing that our ultimate "better days" are secured in Him and His coming kingdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 6:13

And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where [be] all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

Genesis 6:11

¶ The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

Genesis 6:12

And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

Romans 1:22

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Romans 1:32

Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Isaiah 50:1

¶ Thus saith the LORD, Where [is] the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors [is it] to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.

Jeremiah 44:17

But we will certainly do whatsoever thing goeth forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense unto the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto her, as we have done, we, and our fathers, our kings, and our princes, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: for [then] had we plenty of victuals, and were well, and saw no evil.